Grand Avenue Economic Community Development Corp.

Nonprofit Issues:

Economic Development

Address:

3200 W. Colonial Drive OrlandoFL32808USA

Mission:

The mission of Grand Avenue Economic and Community Development Corp. is to provide affordable housing and economic opportunities for low-income persons, and especially the homeless, in Central Florida.

Results:

Every day, we provide over 550 persons with permanent housing who would otherwise be homeless.

Target demographics:

homeless persons who are single and particularly those with disabilities, both physical and mental.

Reviews for Grand Avenue Economic Community Development Corp.

Grand Avenue’s main purpose is to house individuals who are homeless or at risk of losing housing. Along with homelessness often come the challenges of co-occurring conditions such as mental illness, addictions and poor health. Grand Avenue doesn’t just provide housing. They offer support services to help the residents maintain permanent housing through maximizing mental and physical health and a substance-free lifestyle. As an employee and nurse of Grand Avenue, I have had the privilege to work closely with the administration and social service staff for over ten years. Time and time again they proved themselves to be most caring and compassionate, respectful and courteous, going out of their way to help those in need especially to those who had nowhere else to turn. I am proud to work for this company and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a community-minded organization to endorse.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

I have been an associate for over 10 years of this non-profit organization that provides permanent housing for the homeless, and now serve on its Board of Directors. The staff reach out and welcome residents from the homeless or about to be homeless population in Orlando, Florida and neighboring counties. The program is appropriately named "Pathlight HOME", a title which aptly describes the dedication of its President and staff as they provide individual units to house and offer safety to it residents. This stability is essential for the residents to organize their lives and take advantage of the resources offered, i.e. supportive counseling, availability of staff who encourage and facilitate participation in community services. There is a spiritual dimension to the program as residents are encouraged to participate in programs offered by local Churches on site. Holidays are celebrated. Because of the generosity and commitment of the staff, the residents also begin to be concerned for the well being of others in the program. The locations of the programs over 500 units, some on West Colonial Drive and others on Orange Blossom Trail, are fortunate in that they are close to the homeless and observable by those who pass by who could be future volunteers and benfactors. The growth of Grand Avenue ECDC over the past 20 years is due to the dedication and commitment of its founder, Rev. Maxwell, and continued by the energy and zeal of their tireless Chief Executive. It is my privilege to be a part of this amazing outreach and welcome to those without a home in the Orlando area. Grace Rhoads, RGS, MSW